A leading financial institution is seeking a Director of KYC Operations to oversee a cross-regional team supporting Know Your Customer (KYC) activities across global banking platforms. This leadership role is ideal for a KYC expert with a strong command of regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and team development in the context of Commercial and Investment Banking (CIB).
You’ll be responsible for driving quality, performance, and strategic alignment across KYC operations while collaborating with stakeholders from Front Office, Risk, Financial Security, and global data management teams. This is a high-visibility role with a critical impact on internal control, audit readiness, and compliance with regulatory frameworks.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management
Lead and mentor KYC analysts and checkers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment.
Create a culture of accountability, trust, and continuous improvement.
Set clear goals and ensure alignment with business priorities and compliance standards.
Contribute to broader operational strategy as part of the leadership committee for the KYC/data governance function.
Operational Excellence
Oversee the delivery and quality of KYC onboarding and periodic reviews.
Ensure consistent processes, roles, and communications across teams and regions.
Coordinate with stakeholders across Front Office, Risk, Compliance, and Support Functions to align expectations and resolve issues.
Process Improvement & Data Management
Drive process improvements and automation to enhance productivity and reduce risk.
Oversee data quality initiatives and the local referential for client and financial instrument data.
Manage change implementations stemming from regulatory or policy updates.
Project Management & Change Leadership
Lead cross-functional projects and contribute to transformation initiatives related to KYC and data governance.
Manage resource planning, budgeting, and forecasting in collaboration with department heads.
Compliance, Controls & Audit Readiness
Maintain strong internal control frameworks and support audit processes.
Partner with Risk and Compliance teams to ensure operations meet legal and regulatory standards.
Serve as the primary point of contact for internal control committees and audit stakeholders.
Qualifications & Experience
Required:
Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Business, Finance, Law, or a related field.
11+ years of professional experience, including:
Significant experience in KYC, GRM, or Client Onboarding functions
Background in Commercial or Investment Banking environments
Proven leadership in managing teams under tight timelines and quality controls
Strong understanding of global regulatory requirements and compliance frameworks
Desirable:
Experience with market data creation (e.g., bond, equity, and rates data)
Project management or change leadership experience in financial operations
Skills & Competencies
Essential:
Bilingual: French and English (spoken and written)
Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and conflict resolution skills
Strong analytical mindset and ability to influence decision-making
Ability to develop individuals and build cohesive teams
Familiarity with Canadian, U.S., and global regulatory KYC requirements
Nice to Have:
Experience working across multicultural teams or global hubs
Exposure to financial instrument referential systems
Why Join?
Influence mission-critical compliance functions at the core of a global banking operation
Lead cross-border teams and partner with senior stakeholders across risk, compliance, and front office
Drive innovation and operational excellence in a high-impact leadership role
Competitive compensation package and hybrid work flexibility